My quick rating - 6.9/10. The latest installment in the Bad Boys franchise, Ride or Die, delivers an exhilarating blend of action, humor, and heart, solidifying its place as a standout summer blockbuster. As soon as this one ended, I thought "7" and not quite as good as Bad Boys for Life but close. Hence how I fell a decimal point below. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence reprise their iconic roles as Detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, proving once again that their chemistry is the backbone of this beloved series. The plot kicks off with a compelling premise with the duo setting out to clear the name of their late former Captain (Joe Pantoliano), only to find themselves on the run. This high-stakes narrative not only provides plenty of adrenaline-pumping action but also deepens the emotional stakes for our protagonists. Placing the duo as enemy number one not only of the police but also every hitman in town looking for a huge score offers up plenty of opportunities for intense action scenes. One of the film's strengths aside from these intense scenes lies in its seamless integration of new characters. Dennis Greene's upgraded version of Reggie is a standout, bringing a fresh dynamic to the flick and provides easily the best action scene while giving the team ample room for some great comedic narration throughout it. Jacob Scipio's Armando also gets an expanded role, adding depth and intrigue compared to how he was used in the previous film. Both characters are likely to play pivotal roles in future sequels, which seems to be a calculated move by the filmmakers. The humor is on par with its predecessors, balancing the intense action with moments of levity that remind us why we love these characters. The Miami backdrop is as tantalizing as ever, providing a vibrant and visually stunning setting for the film's explosive set pieces. In conclusion, I thought it was a fun, thrilling ride that successfully built on the momentum of its predecessor. With its well-executed action, engaging new characters, and the undeniable charm of its leading duo, this film is a must-watch for fans of the franchise and action enthusiasts alike. My prediction is that upcoming sequels have already been outlined, especially with the strong performances from the new additions to the cast.
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